"In my teens and early 20s, I developed an eating disorder," the author writes. "I controlled food. I over-exercised. I compared my body constantly. It was another attempt to fix what I believed was wrong with me — to discipline myself into being better, smaller, easier."

"I joined the cheerleading team so I’d be forced into training and being social three times a week," the author writes.

"I don’t see myself as broken anymore," the author writes.

Lara Rodwell is a lifestyle writer focusing on identity, mental health and modern connection. Her work explores loneliness, belonging and the social pressures shaping how we relate to one another today. She is also the founder of The Lonely Club, a community initiative creating inclusive spaces for meaningful connection.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost in May 2026.